ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has strongly rejected media reports claiming that the federal government plans to withdraw electricity subsidies for consumers using up to 200 units per month.
A ministry spokesperson clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to alter or end the current relief policy for low-consumption domestic consumers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting low-income segments.
The official denial comes in response to earlier reports suggesting that Pakistan had committed to eliminating un-targeted power subsidies under a new $1.2 billion Climate Financing Program with the IMF.
Currently, protected consumers receive a monthly subsidy of around Rs. 5,000, keeping their average bills near Rs. 2,000.
Had the subsidy been revoked, these bills could have jumped to Rs. 7,000.
Meanwhile, power distribution companies (Discos) across the country have initiated a physical audit of electricity meters to curb the misuse of this relief.
Officials stated that grids with solar systems and households with multiple or extra meters are being inspected to ensure the subsidy is only utilized by eligible consumers.
The ministry also clarified that the QR codes being deployed in the field are strictly for verifying billing data and have no connection to any changes in the subsidy policy.
